Anne With An E

Anne with an E is an engaging Canadian television drama based on the beloved 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables", penned by L.M. Montgomery. This exceedingly vivid rendering that ran from 2017 to 2019 is a joint venture of Northwood Entertainment and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in conjunction with Netflix. The series, compellingly crafted by Moira Walley-Beckett, expands upon the well-loved tale, breathing fresh life and a deeper level of maturity into this coming-of-age period piece.

Notably, The show centralizes around its eponymous protagonist Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, a plucky and fiery redhead brimming with effervescent curiosity, played to perfection by Amybeth McNulty. Anne is a fiercely intelligent, imaginative, and highly talkative orphan girl who is adopted by sibling duo, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who initially sought to take in a boy to assist them with their farm work in the small and verdant town of Avonlea settled on Canada's Prince Edward Island.

Few can fail to be charmed by the exuberant spirit of Anne, who in spite of her often difficult past, remains resolute and determined, filling her life and those around her with her unwavering optimism and zest. The series offers an authentic exploration of Anne's life as she navigates discussions of friendship, romance, education and self-identity, amplifying themes of feminism, prejudice, and belonging, among others.

Anne's relationship with the more elder Cuthberts, portrayed by Geraldine James and R.H. Thomson, is core to the narrative, evoking a vast array of emotions as the siblings find their tranquil lives turned upside down by their animated new family member. Anne's bond with the initially reluctant Marilla evolves gracefully from one of skepticism to appreciation and maternal affection. Meanwhile, shy and reticent Matthew takes an immediate liking to the vibrant red-haired orphan, showing her kindness and understanding that Anne cherishes as she adjusts to her new rural life and challenging contraventions of the societal perceptions in this close-knit community.

Anne with an E also introduces viewers to a host of other delightful characters from the original novel. This includes spirited best friend Diana Barry, love interest Gilbert Blythe, and the gossipy Rachel Lynde – all brought to life with an admirable freshness.

What sets Anne with an E apart is not just the story it tells, but the way it tells that story. The show goes beyond the novel's narrative and delves deeper into the subtext of the characters' lives, broadening the world of Avonlea to explore previously unseen aspects of the community and enhancing the arcs of even the secondary characters. Under the deft hand of Walley-Beckett, Anne with an E presents a grittier and more authentic take on the traditional tale, right from its striking opening sequence to its beautifully penned dialogues.

The series handles its period setting with dexterity, infusing the narrative with an atmosphere and beauty that is as characteristic as Anne herself. Every frame captures the lush and idyllic landscape of Prince Edward Island. Besides, the meticulous detail in the production design from the tiny Avonlea schoolhouse to Green Gables, the Cuthberts' homestead, marks a time portal to the late 19th Century.

The cinematography is stunning, with fluid camera movements and skillful use of natural light to frame Anne in the beautiful landscapes of the Island, while the score and soundtrack subtly enhance the period setting and underline the emotions at play in each scene.

Anne with an E is an intriguing blend of old and new. It pays homage to its literary origins while not being afraid to blaze its trail, and in doing so, it captures the timeless appeal of Montgomery's creation. It takes a beloved classic and re-invents it for the present-day audience, adding depth, complexity, and a wealth of human emotion, shone through Anne's poignant journey of self-discovery, making it a truly captivating watch. It is a heartfelt, thoughtful, and unabashedly sentimental series that appreciates and captures the essence of growing up, making it a treat to view for audiences of all ages.